Kanawha County Commissioner Reacts to Rate Settlement

A proposed settlement would reduce a rate increase sought by Appalachian Power Co. from a nearly 12 percent hike for residential customer rates to a 4 percent boost. The Kanawha County Commission said Appalachian Power would agree to cut its requested increase to $44 million, which results in about a 4 percent increase to residential rates or about $5.11 per month for a residential customer. The settlement also makes adjustments to the winter heating rates, meaning that customers who use electric heat will see lower bills in the winter months.
Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said he fought for this cut to lessen the impact on customers, and he believes the 4 percent residential increase is the absolute best deal that could be obtained.